TIN.—The chlorides of tin being employed in dyeing, color-making, &c., may lead to their being used as poisons, or being taken accidentally. Death from their use is rare. They are decomposed by magnesia, which should therefore be freely administered, followed by albuminous and mucilaginous drinks.
BISMUTH.—The nitrate or magistery of bismuth has caused death in nine days, after a dose of two drachms. The symptoms were those of a strong irritant, but in all probability were caused by some impurity in the substance. Arsenic is frequently present in this way. As no antidote is known, vomiting must be promoted and emollient drinks freely given.
CHROME.—The bichromate of potassium is found in the form of orange-red crystals, which yield a yellow acid solution. It is used as a dye, and has caused death in more than one instance. Emetics and magnesia or chalk, must be the remedies employed.
It is well to know that this substance is apt to produce troublesome sores on the hands of those engaged in its manufacture. Some slight abrasion begins the lesion, which does not heal, but forms on its surface a tough slough, which separating, leaves a foul ulcer with hard edges, and most untractable, behind it.
SULPHATE OF IRON (_Green Vitriol_, _Copperas_).—Although not a powerful irritant, sulphate of iron has proved fatal when taken in a large dose. It is sometimes given to procure abortion. The _perchloride of iron_ has also produced alarming symptoms, after being taken for the same purpose. Dr. Christison relates the case of a man who died in five weeks from an ounce and a half of the tincture. Magnesia and diluents, freely administered, must constitute the treatment.
This division of the class of simple irritants is an important one, on account of the substances composing it consisting in considerable part of ordinary remedies or drugs, which given in over doses, may produce symptoms of poisoning. They chiefly give rise to vomiting and purging.
The most important are _aloes_, _colocynth_, _jalap_, _gamboge_, _scammony_, _elaterium_, _croton oil_, _castor oil seeds_, various species of _arum_, _euphorbium_, _bryony_, _mesereon_, _physic nut_, and others less commonly known. Dr. Taylor says that aloes and colocynth are the basis of _Morrison’s pills_, which in many instances have induced fatal purging. In _Holloway’s pills_, aloes is the chief ingredient. A favorite remedy with nurses for promoting the catamenia is _hierapicra_, a brown powder consisting of four parts of aloes to one of canella bark. This may give rise to dangerous symptoms.